Willan named executive dean for Regional Higher Education

Evans to head Southern Campus in interim role

Willan is currently the dean of Ohio University Southern. His term of appointment will begin on July 1.

"Bill has made many contributions to the success of our regional campuses over the course of the years that he has been a member of the Ohio University community," said Benoit. "He is a talented teacher and administrator who is dedicated to helping students, faculty, and staff be successful. The university is fortunate in being able to call on Bill to serve in this important role."

In addition to being dean, Willan is an associate professor of English at the Southern campus. He has a Ph.D. and a M.A. in English from Purdue University and a B.A. from the University of Indianapolis. He has been a faculty member at the University of Maine at Fort Kent where he also was the dean of academic affairs and an assistant to the president for special projects.

Associated with Ohio University since 1999, Willan has served as coordinator of academic program development for Regional Higher Education; as assistant vice president for Regional Higher Education; as interim dean of both the Eastern and Southern campuses; as associate vice president for academic and student affairs for University Outreach and Regional Campuses; and as interim executive director of eLearning OHIO.

In reflecting on his appointment, Willan said, "It has been my privilege to work with Ohio University's dedicated regional campus faculty and staff in various capacities during the last fourteen years, and I am deeply grateful to have this opportunity to help them adapt to the transformational changes occurring for higher education in Ohio and the nation."

In making her announcement, Benoit praised the work done by interim executive dean James Fonseca.

"Jim has been highly effective in the role of interim executive dean," said Benoit. "He has significantly advanced the work of the regional campuses and centers in all areas. I am grateful for his professionalism, his collegiality, and his passion for Ohio University."

As executive dean for Regional Higher Education, Willan will have administrative oversight over the five regional campuses and the Pickerington, Proctorville, and Cambridge centers. Additional responsibilities include: coordinating relationships between the regional campuses and the Athens campus; overseeing the finances for Regional Higher Education; representing the regional campuses and centers across the university, the state, and nationally; and promoting the access and outreach mission of the university.

Dan Evans, vice provost for eLearning OHIO and strategic initiatives emeritus and associate professor of education emeritus, who also served as the executive dean of Regional Higher Education, has agreed to return to his former role as dean of the Southern campus until a national search for the position can be completed.

"I am grateful that Dan is willing to serve as interim dean," said Benoit. "It is one of many times that he has agreed to fill an important leadership position at Ohio University. Dan's dedication to Southern, to the regional campuses, and the university is unparalleled."